Chapter 19: A Dimming Light

Author's note before starting the new arc: We are now in the present day following the events of chapter 1, I recommend to re-read that chapter before starting the arc. Chapters 2-18 were the events before chapter 1 and the rest of the story (chapters 18+) will follow the events after chapter 1.

The hidden underground facility.

"I REFUSE!" Runo screamed defiantly, bracing himself for the impending surge of pain.

'212 milliamps'

'213 milliamps'

'214 milliamps'

'215 milliamps'

Each increment echoed in Runo's mind, a relentless electrocution as punishment for resisting the demand to use his 'gift.'

'I'd be dead already if I were a normal person! I need to escape, but I don't know how much longer I can endure this.'

"Runo, just enhance our powers already! We'll eventually let you go," Acco cajoled, attempting to persuade Runo.

'I won't fall for your tricks again, you lying rat.'

"Why don't you go f*ck yourself," Runo retorted, gesturing a defiant middle singular finger.

"Well, that wasn't very nice. You're just a stupid idiot, empowering your enemies by enhancing the boss Raiden and Hugo's 'gifts.' How could you be so idiotic?" Acco taunted, reveling in Runo's wretched state.

'Shit, I'll get my revenge someday. For now, I need to focus on my escape. If only I could make contact with him, steal his 'gift,' and teleport away!'

"You realize we don't care what happens to you? It would actually be useful if you died. That way, none of our rivals could enhance their powers as well," Acco coldly stated, pressing the switch to deliver another electric shock to Runo.

'216 milliamps. I estimate I'll only last until 275,' Runo calculated.

Penrith College

Arturo, with a lingering ache in his head, left Principal Nagel's office, a sense of something missing gnawing at him. Oblivious to the two boys making derogatory remarks, he contemplated this strange feeling, the mystery eluding his grasp.

"He thinks he's so above us, ignoring us like that," one of them complained to the other. "Don't get worked up! Stick to the plan," the other scolded.

Unaware of the duo's malice, Arturo inquired, "Oh, sorry, didn't see you two there. Is something wrong?"

"Yeah, something terribly wrong. Meet us behind Valen Petrol Station at 21:00 after college," one of them demanded.

"Okay," Arturo replied, still lost in thought as they walked away.

"Maybe they know why I have this strange feeling," Arturo mumbled to himself, remaining oblivious to the duo's sinister intentions.

The hidden underground facility.

"Hey, Acco, I bet Raiden only uses you as his personal Uber. That's the only thing about you that is of use!" Runo goaded, attempting to provoke a reaction.

"WHY, YOU LITTLE BRAT!" Acco, fists clenched, was ready to strike, but he abruptly halted. "Nice try, you crafty little bugger, trying to make contact with me, huh? Well, you can't fool me!"

'Shit, this won't work, especially on him.'

Runo experimented with various strategies to outsmart Acco, but to no avail. The milliamps steadily climbed to 258, each surge of electricity feeling like an internal explosion. Runo knew that escape was imperative, for another mistake could be fatal. It was as if he were traversing a tightrope, where a single misstep could lead to his demise.

In a Boeing C-17 soaring high above the clouds.

"ATTENTION, MEN!" A man in a military uniform, sporting shades and a cigar, bellowed, commanding the attention of the paratroopers. In unison, they saluted the authoritative figure.

"YOU ALL KNOW THE MISSION – SECURE THE TARGET ALIVE. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT HIM DEAD. DO YOU HEAR ME, MEN?" The man's booming voice resonated through the aircraft.

"YES, SIR!" The paratroopers chorused, one by one leaping into the night sky, disappearing through the dense clouds.